Friday, November 30, 2007

West Ham vs Chelsea Manager

Alan Curbishley has been pointing out this week that Chelsea are just as boring a side under Dr. Death Avram Grant as they were under the 'one with special needs'.

"I don’t think the style has changed,” Curbishley said. “They play a certain way. It suits them. They are talking about it as if it’s a different game. The side was established before and there has been no change to personnel. All that has happened over the past couple of months is that they have got their players back."

Curbishley also referred this week to the Chelsea team's inclination to try and bully the referee.

"The top four teams get after the referees more than the other teams."

Avram Grant has responded to Curbishley's accusation that Chelsea always argue over the referees' decisions by arguing about the referees' decisions (kind of proving Curbishley's point there Avram),

"I don't think that he believes that. Psychology war, it's OK - you can say anything. But you can see the facts. I don't want to speak about the other teams but there have been three red cards against us in the last three months and none of them was a red card. If this equals privilege I don't want to think about other situations."

Chelsea vs West Ham

Alan Curbishley has warned that every West Ham player must be on their game tomorrow if West Ham want to extend their six match unbeaten run,

"When you play a top-four team you need a few things going for you," he said. "You also need your players to all be on form – you can not carry anyone."

Hayden Mullins believes West Ham have the away form to get a result,

"We won’t go there and fear them at all," Mullins said. "We know they are a great side and we know they are a hard team. It is a good game for us to go there and hit them on the break.

We have done that to a lot of teams away from home. We look quite good doing it and we know what we can do. Who knows? A couple of chances and a bit of luck on the day and hopefully we can nick something."

Carlton Cole for one is eager to shine against his old club.

"There will always be that extra hunger for a player when they come up against their former club - no player wants to play their old team and do badly.

This is actually the first time I am playing Chelsea as the visiting team, so it will be weird - but I am really up for it. I expect a very tough game, it will be a lot to do with our performance though rather than theirs.

We will need to go and set up our stall and show we mean business. I think we will be able to do quite well. We will do the same at Stamford Bridge and try to upset their game plan and get the result we need."

Rotation In December for West Ham

West Ham face seven games in December and Alan Curbishley says he will have to change the side around a bit to cope,

"Certainly there will be some rotation in this month. We have got some big games. We have got the Carling Cup game as well, which is a massive game for everybody.

I am pleased I have got players coming back. It may give me one or two problems as I know, but they have just to get on with it. Whatever eleven goes out I expect a result and a performance.

I am hoping that we have a decent December and we push on in the new year. I just get the feeling that with all the changes and people being given a chance that there is a bit of attitude about the place. We are committed as a team - the eleven players and the subs. You can see that before the games. They are wishing each other the best and saying 'let's get out there and get a result'. That is something I wanted to generate here and let's hope that continues."

Thursday, November 29, 2007

The West Ham Connection

The Times are the first to link yesterday's arrests with West Ham. It was inevitable that with West Ham's recent history and the fact that two out of the five men arrested yesterday over corruption in football once worked for West Ham that the media would start putting two and two together and coming up with five.

The Times today ran an article entitled "Old pals’ act that survived fallout from Upton Park". You would have thought that any article about yesterday's arrests would have concentrated on Portsmouth but the fact that Redknapp and Storrie were once at West Ham obviously means that 'Upton Park' must come in The Times' headline.

The substance of the story is that Storrie and Redknapp once had an argument at West Ham that lasted 24 hours before they were out socialising again with their wives.

I for one think that on the day of an attempted coup in the Philippines, the jailing of a woman for naming a teddy bear Mohammed and another outbreak of Ebola in Africa that The Times should concentrate on a minor spat between a West Ham manager and his chief executive over 12 years ago.

Cottee Wants Brooking to Pick England Manager

Tony Cottee says Trevor Brooking should chair an independent panel to decide the next England manager. The panel should be made up of football people like Alex Ferguson and Bobby Charlton rather than the bureaucrats of the FA.

Cottee described the placing of responsibility in Brian Barwick's hands as "archaic" and a recipe for further failure in the wake of England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

The media have reported that the arrests relate to an incident that goes back to 2003 and are connected to a charge of money laundering. Amdy Faye transferred to Portsmouth in August 2003. His subsequent transfer from Portsmouth to Newcastle United in January 2005 was one of those about which the Stevens inquiry report in June 2007 expressed concerns,

"There remains inconsistencies in evidence provided by Graeme Souness - a former manager of the club - and Kenneth Shepherd - apparently acting in an undefined role but not as a club official - as to their respective roles in transfer negotiations.

The inquiry is still awaiting clarification from agent Willie McKay".

Willie McKay was involved in three other transfers being considered by the Football Association's compliance unit after the Quest investigation: Jean-Alain Boumsong's move from Rangers to Newcastle United, Aliou Cissé's switch from Birmingham City to Portsmouth and Pascal Chimbonda's move from Bastia to Wigan Athletic.

Pascal Chimbonda was arrested on 10th September of this year by officers from the City of London police's economic crimes unit on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. Whiter than white Wigan chairman, Dave Whelan, was also believed to have been questioned on the matter during the Quest inquiry.

Peter Storrie and Harry Redknapp have both played a role at West Ham in the past and Willie McKay is the agent of Henri Camara (on loan at West Ham from Wigan) and of Tyrone Mears (at West Ham July 2006 - July 2007). However today's arrests all seem connected with the transfer of Amdy Faye to Portsmouth in 2003.

Faubert nearing West Ham Debut

Julien Faubert has moved into the next stage of his recovery from his Achilles injury and is about to start training with West Ham. Alan Curbishley had this to say about the French winger's progress,

“We are expecting him back here at the training ground next week. He’s been off in a rehab clinic in the south of France. It sounds nice but it is where the French players go to recover.

He has worked ever so hard so we are hoping he may be back in contention in the New Year – certainly by the end of January. I would like to think if he has a decent rehab out on the pitches then he shouldn’t be far off that.”

West Ham's Upson Hopeful for England

Matthew Upson, like Robert Green, although he has been in excellent form for West Ham had been ignored by McClaren for the England team. Even though Ferdinand and Terry were unavailable for England's last two internationals McClaren stil decided to ignore the West Ham defender.

Upson however is now hopeful that a new England manager may revive his international chances,

"I hope they will wipe the slate clean and give everyone the opportunity."

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

West Ham News Round Up

Matthew Upson has been praising Sp@#s' front two,

"They look very good going forward and the fact they have four strikers who can all score goals will soon lift them up the table. In Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, they have two of the best players in the Premier League."

Of course they aren't good enough to beat the West Ham back four.

Robert Green has been blaming PlayStations for the lack of young English football talent. The West Ham keeper also thinks Mourinho should be the next England manager.

"For England, it should be the right man for the job. A Swede gave me my debut, so I'm not one to say it must be an Englishman. I wouldn't look further than Jose Mourinho. He has the character and know-how to deal with the job as well as the passion."

Christian Dailly says he is unsure of his future at West Ham,

"I haven't really spoken to the manager while I've been away. I'll do that when I go back, see what my situation is and take it from there."

Reserves Get In On The Thrashing Derby Act

West Ham Reserves outdid the senior team in thrashing Derby Reserves last night. Whereas the first team could only manage five goals away from home the reserves went three better by knocking eight past a stunned Derby Reserves. West Ham fielded a strong team consisting of Ashton, Parker and Quashie. Christian Dailly, who has only just returned from Southampton, also turned out for West Ham.

Monday, November 26, 2007

West Ham Planned for Defoe Pen

Alan Curbishley has revealed that West Ham reviewed Keane's and Defoe's penalties before Sunday's game,

"We sat down and looked at Spurs' last two penalties, which were both taken by Robbie Keane, who put them in two different places. But, luckily, we also had another look at the one that Jermain Defoe took against him last season and perhaps that's why he decided to dive that way."

The Papers on West Ham Draw

"When is a draw as good as a win for West Ham fans? When the man who scored 41 goals in 105 appearance for the club misses a penalty for the enemy in the final minute, that's when."

The Mail also point out that "Defoe will never be forgiven for his infamous transfer request in May 2003. He can be sure this miss will never be forgotten, either."

The Guardian felt that Robert Green's penalty save atoned for his earlier 'howler' and that West Ham looked dangerous on the break.

The Times are a little harsh on both sides I think in saying that "passion, commitment and controversy were present in spades, but beneath the blood and thunder there was much tactical confusion and precious little quality."

The BBC thought Sp@#s dominated the early stages but West Ham grew in confidence after their goal.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Pint Sized Judas Returns 30 Pieces of Silver

Before the game I think I would have settled for a point if someone had offered me the chance of seeing the pint sized Judas fail to score from a penalty in the dying seconds. Green's save from Defoe's spot kick more than made up for his error that led to the opposition's goal (and Riley's decision to give the penalty just compounded his error of not sending Keane off for his blatant dive in the box in the first half).

Elsewhere, I thought Cole was immense today. He, Boa Morte and Solano worked well for Cole's opening goal for West Ham and I felt Cole just got more and more commanding the further the game developed.

Ashton and Parker both looked good when they came on. Ashton showed he still has his instinct for goal when he forced Robinson into a save late on and there were a couple of crunching tackles from Parker that were an indication of what we can expect from the midfielder if he can stay fit.

The Mail attack West Ham Shocker

It is nice to see that The Mail have returned to their anti-West Ham ways. I have begun to miss last season's daily attacks on West Ham which seem to have become more sporadic this season.

However today The Mail have managed to twist Harry Redknapp's thoughts on the England manager job into a direct attack on Alan Curbishley. Redknapp said that any English manager who turned down the England job would be a traitor. The Mail have turned that into a headline saying Curbishley is a traitor and claim Redknapp has 'slammed' Curbishley, when he has done no such thing.

Anyway I much preferred Steve Coppell's comments on Match of the Day yesterday to Harry's fairly blatant bid for the England job. When asked about being spoken of as the next England manager he complained how the papers kept misspelling his name by putting an 'o' at the end of it.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Second Class Hammer

According to The Daily Mirror Danny Gabbidon was flown home straight from Germany on Wednesday night after Wales' international game. James Collins however had to wait to catch a flight with the rest of the Welsh squad the following day. I guess we know who is partnering Upson tomorrow.

West Ham Drop to Second

West Ham have dropped to joint second in the injury league. The international break has given some of our players time to recover and we have been replaced by Fulham as the team with the most injuries.

The Telegraph say the international break has favoured West Ham for another reason. They point out that this is the fourth time out of four West Ham have played at home after the break and that we have gained seven points out of the previous nine on offer. However as their main point seems to be that it is tiring for footballers to travel away after playing internationals I'm not sure it really applies this week. Not unless Sp@#rs drop into the Marriott Hotel for lunch on the way.

Friday, November 23, 2007

West Ham vs Spurs - What the Pundits Say

The pundits are unanimous in having this down as a score draw. In the last few weeks West Ham have come up against a couple of struggling teams away from home and the pundits have predicted us to lose (Lawro had us down to lose 2-0 at Derby). It is hardly surprising then that with West Ham at home against a team seven places below us the pundits think we might just scrape a draw.

Skysports.com say it will be all square at 2-2. Mark Lawrenson says it will be 'a proper game of football with tackles and goals' and agrees that the score will be 2-2. Similarly thelondonpaper.com say that the game will end in a score draw whilst premiershiplatest.com although disagreeing with the scoreline predict a 1-1 score draw.

Bellamy May Need another Op

West Ham are worried that Craig Bellamy may need another operation to solve his groin problems. He has visited another specialist this week and apparently he now has two options.

Alan Curbishley said,

"Craig is still struggling. We went down one route where we sent him to Germany and he had an operation - which Mark Noble also had done and it's worked for him. It's a different problem that Craig has got. He's been to see another specialist this week about it and we've now got to decide what course of action to take.

One route is injections, which might not be so long term if they work, and the other is another operation, which would be longer.

We have to decide in the next couple of days. It's so frustrating, a lot of the players we have brought in over the summer just haven't been able to get going, it's just one thing after another."

WEST HAM TARGET RIQUELME

In an interview aired in Australia Lucas Neill has said that West Ham are targeting Adriano and Riquelme in January.

In The Mail Bobby Zamora has stated West Ham are seeking revenge against Sp@#s this weekend in revenge for last year's 4-3 defeat,

"Everyone remembers last year's 4-3 defeat to Tottenham at Upton Park, it was one of the games of the season. A lot of pundits thought our old rivals had sent us down when they scored the injury-time winner and our chances of staying up did not look good at the time.

But we showed a lot of character and fight to prove everyone wrong and stay up in the end. Now we will be looking to gain revenge and take three points as we chase a place in Europe next season."

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Ephraim Stays at West Ham - For Now

Hogan Ephraim has turned down the chance of a move to Colchester United. Colchester manager Geriant Williams said,

"We were looking to sign Hogan on a loan deal with a view to a permanent basis in January. We had talks with Hogan and his representatives, but he has since informed us that he won't be joining us at this moment in time."

West Ham United have agreed to let attacking midfielder Tony Stokes join Blue Square Premier side Stevenage Borough on a two-month loan. Stokes scored a hat-trick in a training match on Wednesday in which Ashton and Parker also scored.

Ashton Ready for West Ham's Next Game

"Everything has gone really well. I have trained for a week and a half. If I get through the rest of the week well, I will be available for selection on Sunday.

Ashton wants to play in order to revenge last year's 4-3 defeat against Sp@#s,

"It was hard to take last season because I thought we played so well and you saw the scenes at the end of the game - the players were devastated," he said. "This year we really want to win and I want to play a part in it as well."

West Ham Vision Needed by England

You couldn't make this stuff up. It seems that FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who was largely responsible for the appointment of Steve McClaren, has been given sole responsibility to identify McClaren's successor and recommend him to the FA board.

One name being banded around today is Alan Shearer. Appointing a man with no managerial experience to the job of England manager is in the fine tradition of the FA but surely even they couldn't be so stupid. Another suggestion that seems to be gaining ground is to appoint West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking as caretaker manager. This could be a good idea if England have to wait for another target to become available but despite Brooking's obvious talents he also lacks experience as a manager (and I think the necessary coaching badges).

The FA are of course making all the correct sound bites about a "root and branch examination" of the English game. And it here that I think that they should utilise Brooking's experience.

Trevor Brooking has been charged with trying to overhaul the skills gap in English football from the bottom up. Only this week he has been bemoaning the lack of talent at youth coaching level in this country and he has fought long and hard for a National Football Centre to develop players and coaches.

The FA have long been ambivalent about the plans for a National Football Centre. One positive outcome from England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 may be that the FA are forced to acknowledge the need for a centre of excellence to develop youth coaches and players.

At the moment Brooking seems to be the only member of the FA with a vision for improving the English game from the grass roots. Therefore forget appointing Brooking as the next English manger and instead sack Brian Barwick and install Sir Trevor Brooking as the FA chief executive.

Ephraim In Demand

Colchester United have made an official bid to West Ham about buying Hogan Ephraim. The bid is believed to be in the region of £500,000 but according to Colchester United manager Geraint Williams they are not the only club interested in the young Hammer,

"We've spoken to West Ham but I believe there are a couple of other clubs interested so it's down to Hogan to decide where he wants to go."

Bilic on West Ham Radar

I don't suppose that it is much of a surprise that Slaven Bilic has been linked with West Ham this week. Bilic has in the past expressed his desire to one day manage a Premier League club and he diplomatically answered such questions this week by saying he would of course be honoured to one day manage in England.

Having qualified for Euro 2008 it would be unlikely that Bilic left the Croatia job until next summer. However now that McClaren has been sacked you can't help wondering about Curbishley taking over the England job and Bilic coming in as his replacement at West Ham.

I have one warning though to the West Ham fans who are now clamouring for Bilic's appointment; Bilic has no experience of managing a club side.

West Ham's Ephrain Wanted

It appears yesterday's story from The Sun that West Ham had agreed to sell Hogan Ephraim to Colchester for £500,000 was a little wide of the mark. However Colchester manager Geraint Williams has admitted he is considering a move for Hogan Ephraim in the January transfer window.

"Hogan was with us last year and he is a player we liked a lot," said Williams. "We're always looking to improve the squad and Hogan is a player who could do that. He's certainly one we are looking at."

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

West Ham 5 Southampton Reserves 0

A West Ham team beat Southampton Reserves 5-0 in a training ground game this afternoon. Scott Parker and Dean Ashton both got a goal each and young midfielder Tony Stokes hit a hat-trick.

A clearly pleased Alan Curbishley said,

"It looks like one or two of them are coming back. Deano has got back a little bit quicker than we thought but he has come back strong enough to play a full 90 minutes. He scored and got through it OK and Scott Parker, who has worked so hard that he is now on the right track, is looking strong again and he played the whole 90 minutes and scored.

We know how much work they have put into it. I am hopeful that one more game next week will be enough for them to really be considered but by this weekend one of them might be involved or even both of them."

Curbishley also had some news about the other injured West Ham players,

"Hayden came off against Bolton with a bruised foot and never made the Derby game but he is back in full training and Mark, who had a hernia operation on the Friday before we played Derby, was back in and running a week after. He has managed to get the last two days in."

Glenn Roeder for England Job

Glenn Roeder is quickly emerging as the front runner to land the manager's job with the national side.

The FA have a long tradition of spotting tactical talent in English managers that had previously gone unseen. Graham Taylor and Steve McClaren are the obvious examples in England's recent history. Who can forget the howls of laughter from fans and pundits alike when these two appointments were made. But the FA have never been afraid of ridicule when it has come to appointing the manager of the national side, which surely means Roeder is now the obvious choice to get the England job.

Glenn Roeder, like Taylor and McClaren before him, has little experience of managing sides in European competitions but he has years of experience in the English game. Roeder's first managerial job was with Gillingham. Roeder was unlucky not to get Gillingham relegated in only his first season in charge, when the side were unfortunate to beat the bottom club in the penultimate game of the season.

However Roeder's talent had not gone unnoticed and he was poached by Watford. In just three seasons at Watford Roeder led a previously successful side into the bottom three of the first division. Unfortunately Roeder was sacked before he could finish the job and ironically Graham Taylor replaced him and got most of the plaudits when Watford were subsequently relegated.

Roeder's next job was as second in command to Chris Waddle at Burnley. In one season the pair pushed Burnley to the bottom of the league but Roeder was again unlucky when the team avoided relegation in the last game of the season.

However Roeder's talents had again not gone unnoticed and in 2001 he was given the manager's job at West Ham. With a team of some of the best young English players of their generation Roeder again steered his side into the bottom three but in a now familiar tale he was replaced before he could win relegation with the club.

The only blot on Roeder's otherwise untarnished record came when he was appointed Newcastle manager. Despite being in charge of the Toon for one and half seasons he failed to push Newcastle into the bottom three. However Roeder has recently been appointed manager at Norwich and he seems to have regained his touch as they remain win-less in his three games in charge.

The next England manager will have to work hard to avoid steering the national team into the next World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. With a managerial record like Glenn Roeder's and with the FA's history of England appointments it is not hard to see how Roeder has quickly emerged as the natural successor to Steve McClaren.

Sack McClaren Now

The FA must take a lot of the blame for the sorry state of the national side. The idea of appointing the inexperienced McClaren seemed ludicrous at the time and just seemed more and more ridiculous with each game.

The FA have had ample opportunity to rectify the mistake but have shown a lack of leadership in allowing McClaren to continue in the role. The FA must also take responsibility for the state of the pitch. Allowing an American football game to destroy the pitch before England's most important game yet at the new Wembley beggars belief.

And so to tonight's game. England just needed a draw so the decision seemed simple, go with experience and a 4-4-2. OK, McClaren was forced into playing an inexperienced defence but why he thought it would be a good idea to expose them by playing three up front seems strange. He also decided to go with a goalkeeper who can't get into the first team at his own club rather than the in form Robert Green.

During the game you just had to look at Bilic. He never left the sideline and never stopped telling his players where to go and what to do. McClaren on the other hand sat or stood a long way from the touchline with a look of panic in his eyes. He didn't seem to have one word of advice for his bewildered players and (as in every England game) seemed more concerned with where his water bottle was than what was happening on the pitch.

I just hope the FA sack McClaren now before the game finishes. I no longer think he should be allowed the dignity of resigning.

Ashton Eyeing England Place

West Ham's Dean Ashton wants England to qualify for Euro 2008 as he still thinks he can make the national team,

"It gives England a chance to qualify and obviously I am desperate to get in the squad at any point. Obviously it will be a big goal as players are going to be striving to get into the squad if we qualify.

England should be in the big tournaments because of the players we have got so obviously I will be rooting for them.

The experienced players and the big games England have played over recent years will stand us in good stead against a Croatia team that perhaps has not played those big matches."

Gazzetta dello Sport says that West Han have registered their interest with Atalanta for their 27 year-old defender Morris Carrozzieri with a view to discussing a deal for the January market.

West Ham Stars of the Future (and Past)

West Ham's Jordan Spence captained England Under-18s to a 2-0 home friendly win against Ghana in Gillingham last night.

Reserve-team captain Jack Collison played in Wales Under-21s 4-2 win against France in Cardiff. Collinson won rave reviews for his performance for Wales Under-21 on Saturday and his performance last night kept Wales in touch of the leaders of their 2009 European Championship Qualifying group.

Teddy Sheringham has been awarded an MBE by the Prince of Wales for his services to gambling football at Buckingham Palace. The ex-West Ham player now plays for Colchester United.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Anton Cleared

West Ham's Anton Ferdinand has been cleared of assaulting a man outside Faces Nightclub. Ferdinand had admitted to punching Emile Walker but had claimed it was in self-defence.

CCTV footage showed Emile Walker being attacked by up to eleven people. Ferdinand claimed that he had acted out of self-defence when he hit Walker, partly because he was scared after having been mugged the year before. He also claimed that he was acting to protect a friend.

Nigel Reo-Coker appeared as a character witness for Ferdinand. Reo-Coker had been at Faces Nightclub on the night of the incident but was not involved in the assault on Walker.

Ferdinand denied a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of affray.

West Ham Youngster on the Rise

Apparently West Ham midfielder Jack Collison impressed so much in Wales Under-21s' impressive 4-0 win over Bosnia on Saturday that he is being seen as a likely full international. Wales Under-21 boss Brian Flynn said,

"Jack was outstanding on his debut and scored a great goal. He is already in John Toshack's thoughts for a move up to the seniors. But he has been told he has to get himself into West Ham's first team. There is stiff competition there for him, but he has to have targets.

He has been in their squad a couple of times recently, and we are hearing good things from West Ham about how soon he might make the breakthrough there. We are confident."

West Ham FA Cup Winner Dies

Graham Paddon, part of the 1975 West Ham squad that won the FA Cup, has died aged 57.

Graham Paddon joined West Ham in December 1973 when the club were in serious relegation trouble. When he left the club three years later he had an FA Cup winner's medal and had played in a European Cup-Winners' Cup final.

In other news - West Ham have withdrawn George McCartney from the Northern Ireland squad saying he needs another 48 hours of training before he is ready to play again.

Nigel Reo-Coker appeared in court today to defend his friend Anton Ferdinand. Reo-Coker was at Faces nightclub on the night of Ferdinand's attack but was not directly involved in the incident.

Monday, November 19, 2007

McCartney Back for West Ham

The Daily Mail say that George McCartney will be fit for West Ham's Sunday game. McCartney picked up an ankle injury in West Ham's 5-0 thrashing of Derby which has kept him out of the Northern Ireland squad but the Mail say he has made good progress and will have recovered by the weekend.

The People say West Ham are after Liverpool defender Jack Hobbs. They claim West Ham scouts watched Hobbs in the reserves last week and will swoop if Benitez keeps overlooking him.

Hobbs has hardly figured since signing from Lincoln and could slip further down the pecking order if a new defender arrives in January.

West Ham to Loan Out Quashie

Rumours are suggesting that West Ham's Nigel Quashie could soon join Glenn Roeder's Norwich City on loan. Quashie has recently recovered from a lengthy injury but seems to be down the pecking order in West Ham's midfield.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Cisse Not Interested in West Ham Move

Djibril Cisse has scotched rumours linking him with a January move to West Ham by insisting he is staying at Marseille. Cisse has scored just two goals for the French club this season and has come under increasing criticism from fans. However Cisse says he will stay at the club to prove his ability.

"I didn't come just for six months. I want to stay here, to prove I will succeed. I am in my native area, and I don't want to leave that way.

I can understand the critics as the club paid a lot for me and considering my past performances, they can expect much more."

West Ham USA

West Ham according to various sources this weekend are looking to set up their own team in the United States. West Ham are looking to establish a team in United Soccer League One, America's equivalent of the Championship.

There are rules about individuals owning more than one club. However Francisco Marcos, president of the USL, claims West Ham will not be contravening rules. He said,

"FIFA rules only state that owners cannot have two clubs or teams competing in the same competition, so there's no problem here."

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Bowyer - Good News for West Ham

Lee Bowyer has apparently had a successful hernia operation and should be available for West Ham's game against Chelsea. Bowyer is suspended for the Sp@#s game so West Ham have perhaps for once been lucky with an injury.

Ashton on Way Back

The official site says Ashton is targeting a squad place for the Sp#@s game. Ashton himself says that West Ham are targeting a place at Wembley in the Carling Cup. He believes the experience of the FA Cup final two seasons ago has given the players the appetite for more,

"Getting to that was unbelievable for the fans, the players, everybody. It was such a good achievement I think we all want to be part of that again. People might sometimes frown at the Carling Cup but I think to get to the final at Wembley would be really special."

Ferdinand The Protector

Anton Ferdinand claimed in court yesterday that he was trying to 'protect my friend' when he hit Emile Walker. Obviously the ten other people who then helped beat up Walker were all also trying to protect their friends.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

West Ham Linked With Swede

Swedish under-18 player Marcus Bergholtz has been at West Ham this week on trial. He is currently on the books of Helsingborg but Helsingborg manager Bo Nilsson said,

"If it's a serious offer, and if the player concerned really wants it, then we will always listen."

Also this morning a number of web sites are linking West Ham with out of favour Juve defender Jonathan Zebina. Zebina fell out with Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri earlier in the season and has been frozen out by the former Chelsea chief who does not appear to fancy him. A number of other clubs are also thought to be interested in the French international.

Meanwhile none of the national media has picked up on the Newham Recorder's 'done deal' of Giles Barnes moving to West Ham. So maybe it is not so 'done' after all.

Giles Barnes to West Ham

The Newham Recorder claim that Giles Barnes will sign for West Ham for £5.5 million in January. The paper says it is 'already a done deal'.

Barnes almost signed for West Ham in the summer but injuries made Derby reluctant to sell. Saturday's 5-0 thrashing may have convinced Derby manager Billy Davies that he needs to bring in some fresh blood. Selling Barnes may be the only way to finance that.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Ferdinand Trial - Day Three

In day three of Anton Ferdinand's trial the West Ham defender admitted to throwing the first punch but said it was because of his fear of being mugged. Ferdinand said he had been robbed the year before which made him want to avoid going through it again. Therefore when one of a group of men outside Faces Nightclub threatened to kill his friend he threw the first punch,

"For all I knew he had a knife. It worries me people who are prepared to start a fight do not do so without carrying a weapon."

West Ham Two Wins from Wembley

Lucas Neill says he wants to finish his career with West Ham. Neill was criticised by the media for joining West Ham rather than Liverpool last year but Neill has defended his decision by saying that West Ham are two wins from a final.

"I'm the captain of West Ham United and I would love to finish my career here but we've been through a sticky patch and the last thing I'm thinking about is myself.

We're in the Carling Cup quarter-finals and in the top half of the league and if we're in that position come Christmas we'll have a lot to build on. I came here to win things and I'm two wins from a cup final.

People are talking about us having a good, solid season but I actually want a little bit more out of it. Hopefully eighth place is the minimum we'll get."

West Ham Renew Reid Contract

Kyel Reid has signed an extension to his present contract which will keep him at West Ham until 2009. Reid, 20, has appeared for the first team this season in the Carling Cup and obviously believes he can win a more regular place in the starting line-up.

"I am really happy to commit to the club," he said. "I am determined to do my best and fight for a first-team place. I am learning a lot from the senior players, especially Matty Etherington and Luis Boa Morte in my position, and want to keep on making good progress.""

Bellamy Player of the Year

West Ham's Craig Bellamy has won the Welsh Player of the Year award. Gareth Bale won the Young Player of the Year award. Neither player was able to attend the award ceremony to receive their awards in person.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Ferdinad Led Mob Attack

Things didn't go too well for Ferdinand in day 2 of his court case. The jury were told today that Ferdinand led an unprovoked attack against Emile Walker. The attack left Walker with a broken jaw and he required stitches to his forehead.

Bosnich Supports West Ham Keeper

"They are three very good goalkeepers but the one exceptional goalkeeper I've seen this season is Robert Green. His form leading up to this game means he should have been picked for the game against Croatia.

Paul Robinson has had a tough time, he doesn't need to be told that." (but obviously McClaren does)

West Ham in for Cisse

According to The Daily Mirror West Ham are keen on Marseille striker Dijibril Cisse.

The paper says West Ham want to "improve their strike force in a push for Europe." Although the fact that the side has been reliant solely on Carlton Cole for much of this season may also play some part in a desire for a new striker.

The Mirror claim that Cisse is keen to return to English football and show his full potential.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Ashton Back for Next Game

Dean Ashton thinks he will be fit enough for selection for West Ham's next game.

“It’s all going well, I’ve started training,” Ashton said.

“I can’t deny it’s been very frustrating but I haven’t taken it too badly. I’m not a bad spectator so have been getting to the games to watch the lads," said the West ham striker.

“I try to take the positives, last time I had an awful lot of time on my hands to think about my overall game. This time it’s only been five weeks, so it’s just a case of topping up my fitness from the strength I built up in coming back from the ankle injury.

I was feeling really fresh then so it’s just a case of sharpening up. I’ll be able to use the international break to get in a couple of reserve team games and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.

I’m looking at the Tottenham game (on Nov 25) for my return and I’m confident I’ll be ready for then.”

Tiago to West Ham

Sky Sports have resurrected the rumour that West Ham and Man City are keen on Portuguese international Tiago. Tiago moved to Turin in the summer but has started just twice for Juve in Series A. Benfica apparently are keen on taking him back to Portugal.

West Ham News Round Up

Carlton Cole heads the Premier League assists league after setting up Bowyer twice on Saturday. He has six assists for West Ham this season.

I also read this on the KUMB forum, so I can't account for its authenticity but it does ring true to me:

"Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley has been called up to the England squad as cover for the injured Scott Carson.

The call up of Lumley, 61, has surprised many England fans, being of mature years, a female actress and never having played football. However, England boss Steve Mclaren was quoted as saying 'I had a good look at Robert Green, but he didn't do enough for me. He has not played for Arsenal once this season. Also, whilst I wasn't at Pride Park yesterday I understand Green just stood around watching as the goals were flying in'."

Sunday, November 11, 2007

West Ham Upbeat Despite Injuries

Alan Curbsihley is remaining upbeat about the injury picked up by McCartney yesterday and the loss of Lee Bowyer who needs to undergo a hernia operation. Curbishley is hopeful that McCartney will have recovered by the end of the international break and that Bowyer will be fit again after he serves his suspension against Sp@#s.

West Ham According to Fleet St

Today's round up is a little late due to last night's celebrations and the resulting mother of all hangovers today.

The Daily Express were impressed by "a drubbing (by) a Hammers outfit decimated by injury." West Ham deserved their first half lead and were 'rampant' in the second half.

The Daily Mail felt West Ham had "a conductor supreme in Nolberto Solano. Although he was pushed very close by two-goal Lee Bowyer and the tireless, intelligent Carlton Cole, the Peru international ran the show."

Similarly The Telegraph felt West Ham were "inspired by the outstanding Nolberto Solano" and "ripped Derby to shreds."

The Guardian felt "West Ham United were deserved victors" (obviously scoring five away from home and not conceding went some way to convincing The Guardian). The 'impressive Solano' also caught their eye.

The Independent say West Ham "swaggered into the top 10 with this proudest of catwalks." They also believe that "the East Enders have such pace, verve and blessed elan at their disposal that if and when they return to full strength, they will be some outfit."

The Times believe "Robert Green need not have bothered changing." West Ham "outclassed, out-fought and outthought" Derby. In fact "whenever West Ham strolled over the halfway line, panic coursed through the home ranks."

West Ham's Silent Assassin Faces the Knife

West Ham's top goal scorer Lee Bowyer is set to undergo an operation on a groin injury. Bowyer has been playing with the injury for a while but with West Ham's other injury problems he has been forced to play through the pain. Alan Curbishley said after today's game,

"He has been playing with a bit of a problem. He's going to have an operation on Tuesday. We've been delaying it, waiting for one or two of the others to get back.

He's been playing with a groin strain so he's got to have that sorted out. But he has signed off with two vital goals."

Billy Big Balls

Billy Davies doesn't really discuss West Ham in this interview but I include it any way because I think after today's game any other manager would have told the interviewer where to go. And hats off to Derby fans who sitting on the bottom of the league still manage to get 32,440 at home. I know a lot of the fans left early today (and who can blame them) but I think they put the fans of a lot of other clubs to shame.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Derby 0 West Ham 5

The first half of this game was a fairly open and even affair, with West Ham looking the more threatening going forward and probably just deserving their 1-0 half time lead.

The inevitable West Ham injury came in the 14th minute when McCartney was replaced by Pantsil but that was the last of West Ham's bad luck.

In the 29th minute West Ham won a free-kick on the edge of the Derby area. Solano's resulting shot hit the underside of the crossbar and the ball bounced down just the wrong side of the goal line. However 12 minutes later Bowyer did get the ball over the line when Cole headed the ball down for Bowyer who shot home left footed from six yards out.

Whereas the first half had been fairly even the second half was all West Ham. It took just five minutes of the half for the Irons to double their leave. Bowyer passed the ball to Etherington who shot home left-footed from the left side of the penalty area from 18 yards.

In the 54th minute Jonathan Spector's shot from the centre of the penalty area was bundled into the net by Eddie Lewis to give West Ham a 3-0 lead. Just four minutes later and Bowyer got his second goal of the game. Cole crossed to Bowyer who shot left footed from the left side of the penalty area 6 yards out.

West Ham's fifth came in the 67th minute when a foul on Boa Morte gave Solano another chance from a free-kick. Whereas in the first half Solano hit the bar this time his right footed shot from 18 yards flew straight into the back of the net.

Lawro predicted this as a 2-0 win for Derby so he was only 7 goals off, I think he's improving. Ten points clear of Sp@#s after twelve games. I'll settle for that.

Derby vs West Ham

Although Derby have picked up only six points so far this season it is a reflection of West Ham's injury problems that SkySports.com predict a 1-1 draw and Mark Lawrenson believes Derby will win 2-0. Derby have scored just five goals all season so Lawrenson obviously doesn't rate West Ham's defence.

This season although West Ham have struggled to score goals they have improved in defence and have only let in four goals on the road so Lawrenson is hopefully wide of the mark on that score.

It is hard to predict the outcome of this game before seeing which players Curbishley has a available.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Green Left Out

Steve McClaren has subjected himself to more derision today by leaving West Ham's Robert Green out of the England squad and sticking with the woefully out of form Paul Robinson. For every goal that Green has let in this season Robinson has let in 2.4.

In other news KUMB report that Alan Curbishley has rubbished reports that former Liverpool coach Pako Ayesteran has been at Upton Park to talk about the new role of director of football at West Ham,

"No-one has been in the frame, or even talked about. We're hoping to push on with a new stadium and training ground, and we need someone who can deal with it."

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Sp@~s Approach West Ham

Scott Duxbury has confirmed that Sp~@s have approached West Ham about a potential club share. Sp~@s are under the illusion that they need an extra 16,000 seats, this means upgrading their stadium which will leave them homeless for a couple of seasons.

"We did have a meeting with Tottenham but really they were only asking us what we thought of the possibility of a ground-share," said West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury.

"We said we would go away and think about it but that is as far as it has got."

West Ham Close in On New Stadium Deal

According to The Daily Mail West Ham are close to buying the land on which they will build a new stadium.

Chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "Everything seems to be going to plan. We are working out a price for the site and hope to make an announcement in the near future."

The Mail doesn't mention where the land is but most of the rumours have centred on the old Parcel Force site near West Ham Station. Part of the site is currently being developed into a bus garage but there is still room for a new football stadium.

Noble Out for Three Weeks

West Ham's injury curse continues as Mark Noble has been ruled out for three weeks with a hernia problem. Noble is to undergo an operation which will rule the midfielder out of contention for the next few weeks.

Noble is the third West Ham player to suffer a hernia injury in as many weeks, alongside Bellamy and Bowyer. With Mullins struggling with an ankle injury West Ham will struggle to pick a recognisable central midfield on Saturday.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Blade's Continue Fake Fight for Justice

Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe says the FA tribunal into their claim for compensation against West Ham will meet next year.

"A date has been set for next year and respective clubs are now going through respective submission of claims.

We are led by the availability of QCs and the panel, so it's more likely mid-2008 than early. It's frustrating but that's the way the law works. We have regrettably gone beyond reinstatement so it's about financial compensation for having been relegated."

McCabe also believes Sheffield United can catch the Championship leaders, "if you can put a run together you can catch up."

It is understood that some marbles belonging to Mr McCabe have been reported as missing.

West Ham in for Juve Star

The Daily Mail claim West Ham and Sp@#s are both keen on Juventus midfielder Sergio Almiron. Tuttosport say that despite having impressed for Juve since his summer arrival, he could be on the move again in January.

He could become available for £6 million.

The Times report that the 2012 Olympic Committee have made a final decision on the Olympic stadium and ruled out its use by a Premier League club after the Olympics. They say it is now too late to alter the building plans for the stadium.

Wales have been informed that Craig Bellamy is unavailable for their next two internationals. West Ham want Bellamy to have a complete break from football to give his groin injury time to heal.

Ljungberg's Recovery

Alan Curbishley commented last week that a number of his players always seemed to make miraculous recoveries from injury in time to play for their countries. Freddie Ljungberg is expected to join up with Sweden for their two Euro 2008 qualifiers this month. The benefit for West Ham is that it could help Ljungberg achieve match fitness.

Neill Wants More Money

The Daily Mirror claim that Lucas Neill has opened talks with West Ham about increasing his salary. The paper says Neil joined West Ham on £60,000-a-week but he wants to match the £75,000 of Parker and Ljungberg.

The paper gives no sources for this story and the article contains no direct quotes.

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, report that Hayden Mullins is doubtful for Saturday's game at Derby. Mullins suffered a recurrence of the calf injury he picked up in last week's Carling Cup victory at Coventry during the Bolton game.

West Ham Linked with Adriano

Adriano was left out of Inter's 21 man squad with Juve yesterday refuelling speculation that he could move to West Ham in January. It did seem that Inter and West Ham had come to a deal over the Brazilian in the summer only for Adriano to turn down the move.

Some football blogs are claiming that Controcampo has reported West Ham offering £15 million for Adriano but there is little evidence of this story on their website.

West Ham Match Review

The Express say West Ham started the more confidently and "imposed themselves on Bolton" but that Bolton "forced their way back into the reckoning with their forthright, direct style."

The Daily Mail says that "without question, West Ham threw this one away." West Ham started well and "they had chances to increase their lead."

The Daily Telegraph were impressed with Bolton's 'belligerence and bloody-mindedness'. The game was 'fraught and messy' but "lit up by West Ham's Northern Ireland international left-back, George McCartney".

The Guardian thought the game 'dire' and 'wretched'. Carlton Cole was isolated up front for West Ham. Bolton were "unyielding and a menace from set pieces."

The Times say West Ham "conceded possession as quickly as it was gained." The game was 'wretched' and "George McCartney’s crisp strike was out of synch with the dross on show."

The Independent believe West Ham "turned a well-executed dive into a messy bellyflop," and are not the only paper to remark on the fact that all West Ham's goals this season have been scored by British players.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

West Ham 1 Bolton 1

What can you say. With two minutes remaining of injury time Matthew Etherington had the ball in the corner of the opposition's half and all he had to do was keep the ball. Inexplicably he pumped the ball into the box. Pantsil tried a 20 yard volley that screwed off his foot back to Etherington. The West Ham winger now had another chance to just run down the clock for a West Ham win but he decided to put the ball back in the box. Bolton won the ball, got it up the other end and a minute later had equalised the game.

It seems a little unfair to single out Etherington from a woeful West Ham team. The only highlight for West Ham that I can think off was McCartney's wonderful goal.

Curbishley can't even really blame the loss of his central midfield, that meant West Ham ended the game with two right backs as their central midfield pairing. West Ham were just as bad before the departure of Mullins and later Bowyer.

West Ham in the Sundays

The People are the first of the papers to print the rumour that West Ham have targeted former Liverpool assistant coach Paco Ayesteran to become the new technical director at Upton Park. There may be something in this - there were rumours that Ayesteran was at Upton Park last week, however I think he is on gardening leave from Liverpool and is unavailable until the end of the season. Ayesteran has fallen out with the Liverpool manager and lots of Liverpool fans feel that their team has not been the same since he left.

The Sunday Mirror say that West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is poised to bolster his striking options with Inter Milan's Brazilian Adriano in January.

The Telegraph report on Solano's coming out of international retirement for Peru this season. It means he is unavailable for West Ham games on the Saturday after, "It is impossible to play in Saturday games after internationals because the first flight I can catch from Peru is on Thursday night, which gets in the following afternoon. The Brazilians are all superstars and travel by private plane but we have to come on LANPeru." Luckily West Ham play Sp@~s on a Sunday after the next international break.

West Ham Not Favourites

West Ham at home to a struggling Bolton side should be a home banker. Well not if you listen to the so called experts. Despite Bolton having earned just 1 point from five away games this season Matt Le Tissier and Mark Lawrenson think they will trouble West Ham today.

Matt Le Tissier on Sky Sports believes Bolton will beat West Ham at the Boleyn tomorrow. He says Anelka's goals are key "and if those goals dry up, Bolton are in big trouble, even more than they are now." So Le Tiss must know something that we don't regarding Anelka's fitness, I thought all the reports were saying he was unlikely to play.

Mark Lawrenson on the BBC think West Ham will only manage a draw at home against a struggling Bolton team. Lawro predicts a 1-1 score draw.

West Ham Are A Bigger Club

The Express quote Boa Morte saying he doesn't regret moving to West Ham and is ready to stake his claim in the first team,

“I just want to play a bigger part in what West Ham achieve. I am looking forward now to making an impression. It was time to move on and the Hammers were a bigger club. I was also attracted by the prospect of playing European football, while at Fulham it always seemed we were involved in staying in the Premier League.”

The Mail report that Bellamy may be available to West Ham for Sunday's game. They also claim that Anelka is definitely out for Bolton.

The Times report that the West Ham fitness regime is benefiting Carlton Cole (although it doesn't seem to be having the same effect on the injured eleven).

Friday, November 02, 2007

West Ham vs Bolton Team News

Most of the media are reporting that Noble and Mullins should be fit for Sunday but that Bellamy is out. WestHamOnline however are reporting that Bellamy will play. I did hear a rumour earlier in the week that Bellamy would play after taking a pain killing injection. West Ham are struggling for goals at the moment so the club could well be thinking about taking a gamble on Bellamy's fitness. WestHamOnline also say that Ferdinand is out for a number of weeks.

Bolton are waiting nervously on Nicolas Anelka who suffered a hamstring problem last Sunday when they drew with Aston Villa. Joey O'Brien (hamstring) and Andy O'Brien (back) probably won't feature as both were injured in their Carling Cup defeat by Manchester City.

West Ham News Round-Up

In the Daily Mail Bobby Zamora predicts a tough time for Sp@~s and a European place for West Ham,

"Spurs are on a slippery slope and having a bit of a tough time at the moment. Tottenham are in the situation we found ourselves in last year and I can tell you that when you get into a bad run like that it is very hard to get out of it.

Last year was just a blip and we have a great squad and I'm sure we will crack on and do well. Europe is definitely a target and we can achieve it by winning a cup or finishing in the top six."

The Daily Mail also report that Pantsil is happy to play in midfield for West Ham.

In The Daily Star Frank Lampard pays his usually respect to the people who pay his wages, "... you don’t take notice of what someone wants to say about you (who)... is just a fan.”

Setanta cut and paste the official site's injury update for Faubert and come to the wild conclusion that he is close to his début. Faubert has only just begun running again, so his début is some way off yet.

Elsewhere Pantsil and Wright have been talking about how pleased they were to play this week and Bowyer praises Spector's midweek performance in midfield and Cole's recent performances.

West Ham to Sell Quashie

Stoke City and Crystal Palace are both being linked with January moves for West Ham's Nigel Quashie. Much is being made by the media that Quashie has yet to play for West Ham this season, nicely turning a blind eye to the fact that he has been injured.

However there could be some legs to this story. Despite the long injury list at West Ham Curbishley may be looking to trim the current squad, especially if he wants to bring in one or two more players in January.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

West Ham's Cole to Take his Chance

Most of the media are today reporting on Carlton Cole's elevation to the West Ham first eleven and his desire to take make this chance count.

“There are a lot of injuries at the club at the moment, so I have a good chance to establish myself,” he said. “Hopefully I can do a good job. The manager has put a lot of faith in me and I just want to repay him and get the goals that he needs.

“I want to do as much as I can do and don’t want to leave any stones unturned in my career. I don’t want to waste my career on things off the pitch.

“I am almost 24 now and am cracking on. I feel I should have had a lot of games under my belt, but I haven’t and this is a little window for me to do that. I have not helped the situation in my career but hopefully I can turn the corner now.”

West Ham Top the Injury League

According to PhysioRoom.com West Ham have by far and away the most injuries in the Premier League with 13 players out. We have nearly double the injuries of the next highest team Sunderland with 7 injuries.

Here are the injured players and their expected return dates (although I did hear an unconfirmed rumour today that Bellamy would actually be playing on Sunday with the help of a painkilling injection).